When All Else Fails, Run

It's been a while since I've ran. Wanting to gradually build my cardiovascular strength to par, I had no intention of running today as well. Just that today, walking on the treadmill didn't seem enough. So I ran, and when I started to get tired, I ran even faster. I ran until my chest started to ache and I felt that my heart wouldn't be able to take more stress. I ran for about a minute after that as well for good measure before slowing down to a walk once again. Alhamdo lillah running felt so good. I was out of aching and out of breath and I loved it.

Thinking that insha Allah the next time I were to try the same routine, my heart would be stronger and more prepared for the pressure. I don't think I've ever made a cognitive decision such as this when upset, not a damaging one anyway. Certainly not one that I know I will come out of feeling stronger and strangely relieved, alhamdo lillah.

I doubt I speak for myself alone when I say that I am capable of worse things to release stress, pressure or heartache. Of all the detrimental things to do, I guarantee this to be the most exhilirating. This hardly counts as being masochistic, because willingly allowing oneself to be hurt more than once by the same aspect, or not shying the fire after being burnt once is far worse. Each one of us puts ourself in such a position so many days of our lives. This one actually did my heart some good.